$170 Cheap Flights from Albuquerque (ABQ) to Washington (DCA)

Popular airlines from Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

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Cheap Flights from Albuquerque to Washington (ABQ-DCA)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $170 for one-way flights and $282 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

American Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines
United
Southwest Airlines
Delta
American Airlines
Southwest Airlines
JetBlue Airways

Alternative airports near Washington

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

What you need to know for your flight from Albuquerque Intl. Sunport to Ronald Reagan Washington National

Albuquerque (ABQ) to Washington (DCA) at a glance

Travel from Albuquerque (ABQ) to Washington (DCA) with a range of airlines offering various options on this domestic short-haul route. Discover cheap flights from Albuquerque and compare itineraries from both full-service and low-cost carriers to find the best fit for your budget and schedule. As you plan your visit to explore Washington's iconic landmarks and neighborhoods, check out the essential details for flights departing from Albuquerque International Sunport Airport (ABQ) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 5h 15m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 1,600 miles (2,570 km)
  • Flights per week: around 13 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $100–$425, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Albuquerque International Sunport Airport (ABQ) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the most popular airlines flying from Albuquerque to Washington, often favored for their one-stop and non-stop options. Common layover points include Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with a layover of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) also at approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, and O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with a 1 hour and 30 minutes layover. This allows you to tailor your journey by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class to secure the ideal itinerary.

  • American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop options, with one-way fares generally falling between $100 and $430. It represents around 39% of the departures for this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 45 minutes, plus a total travel time of about 6 hours, including layover.
  • Southwest Airlines: As a budget-friendly carrier, Southwest offers both non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way fares usually ranging from $100 to $390. It accounts for roughly 22% of the departures, with an in-flight time of 4 hours and 45 minutes and a total journey duration of approximately 6 hours.
  • Delta: This full-service airline provides one-stop services, with one-way ticket prices typically between $140 and $515. Delta comprises about 20% of all departures on this route, with a flight time of 4 hours and 45 minutes and a total travel time of roughly 6 hours, including layover.
  • United: Another full-service option, United Airlines offers one-stop services, with one-way fares ranging from $145 to $535. It makes up around 19% of the route's departures, featuring an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 45 minutes and a total journey time of about 6 hours, including layover.

Travelers can elevate their journey from Albuquerque to Washington with first-class service offered by both United and Delta on this route.

Best time to fly from Albuquerque (ABQ) to Washington (DCA)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Albuquerque to Washington are March, April, and May, when peak temperatures in Washington reach up to 65.7°F in May. If you prefer quieter travel, consider August, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 77.4°F. For better deals, August and November usually offer the lowest average one-way fares around $206. Flight availability peaks in June, with approximately 17 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. November has the fewest flights, with approximately 10 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: August and November usually offer good deals with average one-way fares around $206, roughly 14% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: May and July typically offer average one-way fares of around $214.
  • Most flight options: June has the highest number of flights from Albuquerque to Washington, with approximately 17 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January35.1°F (1.7°C)Average11$286
February38.3°F (3.5°C)Average11$282
March45.7°F (7.6°C)Moderately High12$285
April56.3°F (13.5°C)Moderately High12$258
May65.7°F (18.7°C)Moderately High16$212
June74.3°F (23.5°C)Average17$223
July79.5°F (26.4°C)Average14$216
August77.4°F (25.2°C)Moderately Low12$206
September71.1°F (21.7°C)Moderately Low13$236
October59.9°F (15.5°C)Average12$248
November47.8°F (8.8°C)Moderately Low10$206
December40.6°F (4.8°C)Average14$219

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

Alternative routes from Albuquerque (ABQ) to Washington (DCA)

  • Santa Fe to Washington (SAF-DCA): Santa Fe Municipal Airport (SAF) is located approximately 49 miles from Albuquerque International Sunport Airport (ABQ). One-way economy rates for this journey generally fall between $140 and $570, influenced by the time of year and advance booking. This route is commonly serviced by one-stop flights, with popular layover spots at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Denver International Airport (DEN). Major airlines operating on this route include American Airlines and United.
  • Albuquerque to Washington (ABQ-IAD): Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is situated roughly 23 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). One-way economy fares on this route typically range from $135 to $495, varying by season and how far in advance you book. This route offers both one-stop and direct flights, with favored layover locations at Denver International Airport (DEN) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Key airlines for this route include United and low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines. Additionally, first-class service is available on this route.
  • Santa Fe to Washington (SAF-IAD): Santa Fe Municipal Airport (SAF) is situated about 49 miles from Albuquerque International Sunport Airport (ABQ), while Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) lies approximately 23 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). One-way economy fares for this route typically range from $140 to $515, depending on the season and when you book. Typically, this route is serviced by one-stop options, with popular layover hubs at Denver International Airport (DEN) and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Major carriers for this route include United and American Airlines, with first-class service also available.

How to find the best prices for flights from Albuquerque (ABQ) to Washington (DCA)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Albuquerque to Washington is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

  1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are typically found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which is also when most travelers make their reservations. Afternoon departures (12pm-6pm) usually offer lower prices, while morning flights (5am-12pm) are more popular. Additionally, flying on Tuesday generally provides cheaper rates, although Thursday tends to be the most favored travel day.
  2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
  3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
  4. Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
  5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
  6. Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport from Albuquerque International Sunport Airport

Washington welcomes travelers from Albuquerque with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Washington city center is approximately a 10-minute drive (covering about 5 miles) from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach Washington efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Washington, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Expedia.
  • Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
  • Public transportation: From Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, National Airport Station (a metro station) is conveniently located just 0.2 miles away on foot, while Alexandria Station (a train station) is approximately 3.8 miles from the airport by car. For those traveling by sea, Washington Seaport is situated about 4.8 miles away by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $170 and cheap return flights from $282 Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $199 to $992, and return flights typically cost between $371 and $1303. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) ticket fares go up or down.*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
January is the cheapest month to fly from Albuquerque (ABQ) to Washington, DC (DCA), with average return fares around $329. This is about 18% lower than the average price throughout the year, as January typically sees a drop in travel demand after the holiday season. Other cheap months to fly from Albuquerque to Washington, DC include February and April.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
Enter ABQ to DCA and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
Southwest Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Albuquerque Intl. Sunport (ABQ) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) with a layover in Denver Intl. (DEN), starting from around $188. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
To find a cheap flight from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best time to fly from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
For flights from Albuquerque (ABQ) to Washington, DC (DCA), January and February are the best months to fly, with average return flight prices around $329. Traveling during these months can help you save money while enjoying a less crowded experience in the capital.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The earliest flight from Albuquerque (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) departs at around 12:55 AM, operated by JetBlue Airways. This seasonal service is active in September and October, giving you a chance to arrive in DC early and start your day. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Albuquerque (ABQ) to Washington, DC (DCA) are in the morning, from 6am to 9am. About 39% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing allows you to arrive in DC with plenty of time to enjoy the day.
How long does it take to fly from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
Flying from ABQ to DCA with a connection usually takes about 6 hours, traveling roughly 1,647 miles. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
First class is available on flights from ABQ to DCA. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Washington from Albuquerque Intl. Sunport (ABQ)?
From Albuquerque Intl. Sunport (ABQ), you can fly into Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) and Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD) in Washington. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Denver Intl. (DEN), Love Field (DAL), Dallas-Fort Worth Intl. (DFW) before reaching Washington. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) Washington Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
If you booked your Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
Albuquerque Intl. Sunport
Destination airport
Ronald Reagan Washington National
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$282
Distance
1646 mi
Average flight time
7 hours 48 mins

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*Flight schedules are subject to change.

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